The Pennsylvania Department of Health this week announced that temporary medical marijuana regulations that would cover physicians are available for public comment.

The regulations, which deal with topics such as prescribing guidelines and the ability of physicians to advertise a medical marijuana practice, also outline the registration process as it relates to participating in the medical marijuana program.

In a situation unique to recent budget hearing history, four departments up for potential consolidation appeared jointly before the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday to answer questions about the proposed merger and various agency operations.

Normally appearing separately—as they did in the House—the agencies discussed the merits of the proposed consolidation and worked to assuage the fears of senators skeptical of the alleged benefits of the merger.

In the latest step toward full implementation of the Commonwealth’s medical marijuana program, the Department of Health Tuesday made available the permit applications for those wishing to run medical marijuana grower/processor facilities and dispensaries.

Available for the first time Tuesday, applications will begin to be accepted starting February 20th and running until March 20th whereupon the department will undertake a review of the submitted permits.

Eyeing full implementation of the medical marijuana program authorized under Act 16 of 2016, the Department of Health announced last week that temporary regulations covering medical marijuana dispensaries have been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

“The dispensary temporary regulations outline what is needed in the plan for operation, process for dispensing medical marijuana, security and surveillance requirements at the dispensary, as well as where the dispensary facilities can be located,” said Secretary of Health Karen Murphy.